Pram cleaning advice - much appreciated.

[WipingAssAndTakingNames]

I?ve been given a beautiful heritage Silver Cross carriage-built pram by a friend of my mother. It?s in lovely condition, but due to having been stored for almost four decades, the interior lining and canvas hood and apron could do with a good clean to freshen them up.

I was wondering if any MN-ers have any tips for cleaning prams, or just for cleaning canvas and leather generally? I?ve bought some hood and apron restoring and waterproofing spray for after it?s all cleaned up, but it advises on the can that all surfaces need to be grease and dirt free first. I don?t want to saturate the whole pram with water but apart from expensive professional cleaning I can?t find any information out there.

Thanks so much any contributors!

Well it's ok to sponge leather clean (I use a bit of washing-up liquid in the water if it's greasy) but you should treat it afterwards to keep it nice and soft and stop the surface cracking. Also, let it dry naturally, never near a radiator. Not knowing what kind/colour of leather it is I wouldn't like to make any suggestions as some treatments can darken leather and I wouldn't want to be responsible for ruining your beautiful pram! Why don't you find a good saddler and ask them? they will know about different types of leather and be able to sell you just the thing I expect.